In a (Supposedly) Modern Society, Gay Video Game Characters are Still a Cause for Controversy

Bioware recently introduced the world to a character named Dorian who will appear in the upcoming Dragon Age: Inquisition. This character comes from the Tevinter Imperium, which is a country whose ruling class are Mages. In a world where Mages are shunned and hated by society, here is a place where they run the show. A character that comes from such a land is one that I find fascinating.

Although Dorian and his background are very intriguing, this isn’t what people have focused on. There’s controversy surrounding the character because of his sexuality. He is the first “legitimately gay” character to appear in a Bioware game according to series writer David Gaider. There have been bisexual characters and an openly gay one (Steve Cortez) in some of Bioware’s previous titles but Dorian is the first playable party member who is simply a gay man and only prefers to have intimate relations with men.

I guess I shouldn’t be surprised by this latest controversy. Each of Bioware’s previous efforts to be more inclusive and progressive were met with this sort of response. My question is: Why is this such a big deal? When I heard that Dorian was gay I thought to myself: “That’s cool. Are we going to be going to the Tevinter Imperium?” His sexuality wasn’t even something that stood out to me but (sadly) that isn’t the case for some.

Before tackling the overriding issue here, let’s talk about Dorian himself. Much has been made about his appearance and how Bioware was insensitive because the character is a “stereotypical gay man.” This is ridiculous considering that Dorian is a character who is written by David Gaider, who is himself a gay man. Why would he purposefully create a negative stereotype gay character? I think these sort of comments say more about the people lobbying complaints than about Inquisition‘s developers.

Dorian wears a long robe that is (admittedly) extravagant in its design. He also has a handle bar mustache which has gotten the most amount of attention. People fail to see or understand the character’s origin and the game world of Dragon Age. All Mages, male and female, wear robes. This is part of their tradition. Dorian is a Mage from Tevinter, a country where Mages make up the ruling upper class.

Where the average Mage of Thedas wears simple robes, those in the Imperium dress lavishly to show off their wealth, power and influence. Dorian’s attire may be “flamboyant” compared to average Mages but he fits right in with those from his homeland. The same applies to his mustache. Although we haven’t seen others from Tevinter, I won’t be surprised if this kind of mustache is the norm for men of any persuasion inside of the Imperium.

Within the context of Dragon Age and its world, there is nothing that says “gay” about Dorian. The people who are supposedly on the side of gay people are proving that they themselves hold negative stereotypes about those they are defending. I didn’t see Dorian as gay but they did. They obviously view gay men a certain way and saw these negative traits in Dorian. It really puts a spotlight on how hypocritical some of these people are. Without trying to, they themselves perpetuate negative stereotypes if they think all gay men look a certain way.

Those in the LGBTQ community are admittedly not well represented in video games. Bioware seems to be one of the few studios out there who treat them as real people (human or otherwise). I hate to point out a specific country but the Japanese have done a terrible job of depicting gay people in their games. Other Western studios haven’t done a better job either. The few gay characters which have popped up in games don’t exactly shine a positive light on the community.

A game like Ultimate Gay Fighter is a prime example of a title that should get people riled up due to its depiction of gay characters. While games like God Hand and Cho Aniki are almost equally as bad on this front, they have largely been ignored. The negative response to Ultimate Gay Fighter was justified because it made fun of the entire LGBTQ community. That game deserves derision but Dorian and any other non-straight Bioware character does not.

The fact that authentic and honest gay characters disturb people so much says something about our society. Outside the world of videogames, the topic of homosexuality is still taboo. While the LGBTQ community has enjoyed some measure of positive recognition and even a semblance of acceptance over the last few decades, they still have to put up with a lot bullshit from people simply for being who they are. With so many who still see homosexuality or anything that deviates from the norm as an aberration, it’s no real surprise that they would be up in arms over the existence of a gay video game character.

Bringing it back to our friend Dorian, his entire existence as a character says something about how some of our societal institutions view gay people or anyone who is abnormal. Various institutions (mostly religious) look down on homosexuality as something disgusting or evil; something that should be shunned, shamed and hidden.

The Tevinter Imperium is similar to our real world religious institutions in that they reject anything that is outside of what they consider “normal.” Dorian shuns these rules and is therefore cast out. Obviously, gay people (like straight people) have no choice over being attracted to a particular sex but the point is that Dorian is seen as a pariah simply because he isn’t what society wants him to be. This is exactly how those who are different are treated in the real world.

I hate to say this but one of the biggest reasons for the level of outrage seen over this is because of gamers. Although we are finally seeing signs of it maturing, this community is still largely childish. If society is behind when it comes to how it treats and views the LGBTQ community then the gaming community is two steps behind that. I mean, listen to the blatantly homophobic things gamers say to each other while playing online. This community still has a lot of growing up to do and the subject of gay characters is a bit too much for some of them to digest.

Sadly, I don’t see a solution to this problem. While things are getting better and people are more accepting of those whose sexual orientation is different from the norm, we still have a long way to go. I know that this latest controversy won’t deter Bioware from continuing to create multifaceted characters who sexual orientations are as unique as their backgrounds. They set a great example to other video game developers of how they all should strive to create characters which represent all facets of humanity. Gay, straight, elf, human or other, what matters most is characters we can all care about. Their sexuality shouldn’t be an issue but instead, something that is simply a part of who they are.

Join the Discussion

Every damn day, every damn place. TV, radio, internet, the damn corner store…just be gay and please stfu about it. video games were the last place we had that it didn’t get “celebrated” n shoved in our face n now that’s going to start. Gays keep saying they want equal this n normal that, but then they don’t act like normal members of society n try to force their thoughts on everyone. Then as soon as one person disagrees , they are homophobic n need to die. Yea people are gay. it isn’t news.

solkeher

Didn’t you post this comment on IGN as well?

Wow you must really care to go around news sites with articles like this and spread your blatant hate. Talk about having an agenda huh?

“try to force their thoughts on everyone” That’s an ironic statement coming from you.

Guest

Hate – are you seriously that stupid? That is what I dislike about people like you who like to jump the gun and just pull the hate card. I don’t hate anybody, I just dislike the concept and don’t find it natural and hate this overexposure in the media

solkeher

Yes hate. That’s what it sounds like.

Guest

Ok, if you think that way, good for you, I clearly know my intention’s and you are taking this way too personally

Voice of friendship

An attack on anybody identity as a human is an attack on the very diversity of our species. So yes it’s technically personal when you step back to think about it. While I am not a Homosexual individual I see no reason why the world has to tell them that their identity’s as people are wrong. It’s really just outdated and needs to stop.

http://www.dualshockers.com/ Dianna Lora

Huzzah

http://www.dualshockers.com/ Dianna Lora

Well said

Voice of friendship

Thank you. I’m glad to know that the editors and moderators of this site are willing to accept people from all walk of life. That shows integrity.

Ryan Meitzler

It’s what we’re here for =)

Sucka Free

This is the problem with trying to be “politically correct”. Nobody dares say anything negative about the blatant stereotypes that are represented in games and other media. The way they are represented is as “Guest” put it, unnatural. Its as if their sexuality is their defining identity. In RL you can work or associate with someone for a long time and the subject of their sexuality (gay or strait) will never come up, but take Mass Effect 3 for example, the guy working in the Normandy’s hanger practically beats you over the head with it with every word.
Equality will never happen by rubbing peoples noses in it, the only way that equality will happen is when it is no longer even worth mentioning

matty Gaffney

overexposure in the media? how many hit tv shows or blockbuster films have prominent gay characters or relationships? gays are being talked about in news media frequently because people are actively trying to take our rights away from us…we wouldn’t need to be such a vocal community if everyone else treated us as equals, but we’re forced to get up on a podium and shout sometimes to remind people that we’re here to stay and we expect to be treated as human beings

Sucka Free

And you really think that any exposure is good exposure? We are not being represented properly in the media. Are you really satisfied with being comic relief and token characters that are so stereotypical? In my opinion all this new PC “equality” is making it even harder for us to be accepted as true equals

blasianΦΜΑ

This kind of thinking, right here, is a problem. You’re obviously upset about something. You need to realize that this shoving of gayness down throats is the work of the media. All that you SEE of LGBTQ culture is an image that the media would have you see. Maybe if you opened your crusty eyes you’d be able to see that there are members of the LGBTQ community that “act like normal members of society.” I can’t even put my words together correctly long enough to respond to your idiotic comments. Christ child almighty.

Emily Lemay

I’m still having trouble trying to figure out why you think games have always been a straight thing. You use the term ‘we’ as if video games were created exclusively for cis individuals. Can you be fired for simply being straight? Are you unable to marry the person you love in a majority of states? Are you denied basic human rights because they state doesn’t recognize your straightness? No.

We’re here fighting for our rights as humans. The positive representation in any form of media, whether it’s TV, movies, or games, tells us that we’re doing something right. It tells us that we’re education folks in the right manner. You mention that ‘gays’ attempt to force their thoughts on everyone, but it’s individuals like yourself who use bigoted language and antiquated mindsets that are forcing their opinions on people. It’s thoughts and actions like yours that stir the pot and create tension.

Quit acting like video games are a straight thing. While you’re at it, quit acting like the world is a straight thing.

Guest

I don’t care how much media saturation they give to the homosexual “cause” , it’s not going to change my opinion about whether it’s right or wrong. I do believe it is wrong but that doesn’t mean I hate people who are homosexual. I actually feel sorry for them because of the mental and spiritual struggle they are going through.

Guest

I believe one was created for man and woman to get together and reproduce, so really, it is wrong imo, wouldnt hate someone or treat them unfairly, but i disagree with the concept

matty Gaffney

you believe we were created to have sex and make more people to grow up and have sex to make more people and so on and so on… and that’s the whole point of existence? what an awesome purpose we have :-/ i guess we should congratulate the stars or MTV’s Teen Mom for being ahead of the game and all those people who throw their babies in the dumpster as long as they’re straight. if you are wasting your brain power feeling sorry for a group of people who are freer than they’ve ever been to be who they are and taking lead positions in media, tech and government then I feel sorry for your mental struggle…

Tony Polanco

The fact that you think we were “created” isn’t based in any sort of science.

blasianΦΜΑ

Excuse me? Mental and spiritual struggle? I’m completely fine with who I am and so are many of the other well functioning members of the LGBTQ community. You sound like you don’t know what you’re talking about.

blasianΦΜΑ

If anybody is having a mental or spiritual struggle it’s the people who comment and get riled up over things that have absolutely ZERO to do with them, like the guests in this comments thread and homosexuality.

Averix

I love how all these comments are from “Guest” because the true believers are more comfortable in the shadows pointing at other people than fixing their own issues.

Redinferno124

I have a friend who is fighting over sees who’d love to kick your ass right now, but he’d probably settle for blowing your logic out the window. Worry about yourself please.

Guest

And Tony, whether you like it or not buddy, one has the right to disagree with the idea of being gay, many people don’t think it is normal or natural, and it is especially cringe worthy when it is very obvious and puts a lot of people off. Popular opinion doesn’t change anyone’s rights.

And FYI, whether we’re entering the modern era and progressing is subjective, because in one area we may have excelled but in others we have regressed

Guest

Forcing people to think being gay is right is not progress IMO. Roman Empire had that and we all know how they ended up.

That’s the symptoms, but the disease that brought this about started inside the Roman Empire, it was a fall and degradation of civilization. The values that kept the empire together were lost over the generations and eventually entire Roman armies were formed from auxilleries and foreigners.

At last, Romans had to turn to Germans to actually fight for them, cause they themselves were lazy, undisciplined, and only interested in indulgence, decadence and eventually discontent run rampart across Roman Empire.

Constantine try to stem this tide, by splitting the Empire into two but he only delayed it’s fall.

Ryan Bates

Soooooo… the LGBTQ population is the downfall of civilization. Is that your slant, Michele Bachmann?

Kingdom17

Like I totally agree, like its the same thing as a while back when people were forcing others to think that being black is okay, for shame on them.

Delsin Rowe

who cares about their sex? we live in a modern society. we should learn to respect each other in every matter. i don’t care dorian is gay, i just know that i should respect his opinion (lol) and just play the game.
thanks tony. that was an awesome article

Guest

Truth, its disgusting how this agenda is infecting video games now.

They Call Me Senpai

Yeah, how dare gay people want to be accepted?

Voice of friendship

Yes how dare people not want to hide there identity as human beings.

Kingdom17

The last thing I heard people go on about homosexulaity in video games was tomodachi life, that aside, in the most recent topic, Bioware has had gay characters in their games for a while now.

Guest

It is a stupid decision IMO to put a homo in this game. I have a problem with it and I don’t care if you or anyone else has a problem with me having a problem with it. Why should I accept it when I find it disgusting? I’m not going to pretend I’m ok with it.

They Call Me Senpai

Don’t like the inclusion of a gay man? Don’t play the game, it’s just that simple.

Ryan Bates

Then shut the hell up and let reasonable people enjoy it.

Guest

He made an open discussion, and put my opinion forward – I will not shut the hell up just as I am not telling anyone else to shut the hell up. Learn that anyone who has a different opinion to you shouldn’t just ‘shut up’ – I am writing my opinion on a public forum on an open ended article that Tony posted.

Guest

If gay people want to be so called equal, they wouldn’t have to keep cramming the way of life into ours and trying to force it on us. Newsflash: Some of us don’t like it, and don’t wanna know about it.

http://www.dualshockers.com/ Dianna Lora

Wow.. you’re a bigot.

Guest

Just because I disagree with something, I am automatically a bigot?

Very insightful of you to contribute to the conversation – how about instead of throwing around such stupid words to try and bigger yourself up and make me look ignorant, you actually reply to what I said rather than just saying a 4 worded sentence?

http://www.dualshockers.com/ Dianna Lora

Sweety, your 10 comments are showing everyone what type of person you are.

People just need 4 to see what type of person I am.

Guest

I’m sure you’re the most wonderful person in real life and are always jolly..guess what, having a different opinion to you doesn’t make me a bad person, because guess what, I treat everyone with respect and even homosexuals.

Have a nice day, I’m honestly shocked how people can judge one person for having a different opinion to them

Yaris_Gutierrez

Welcome to the real world — where people are, in fact, judged by the opinions they spurt. Whilst you have your opinions, the one thing that you’re clearly displaying in this thread is your ignorance toward the subject. Saying things like “I actually feel sorry for them because of the mental and spiritual struggle they are going through,” only shows that you’re linear thinking isn’t backed up by anything but a lack of understanding on the fundamental level on the nature of the subject and an unwillingness to look beyond personal beliefs.

There is documented evidence of homosexual behavior amongst social birds and mammals, particularly sea mammals and primates (outside of humans). This dictates that, on an emotional level, intelligent creatures flock toward affection/bonding/parenting/courtship, etc. So, yes… homosexuality is indeed natural and not a fallacy of mental illness or what have you.

The issue is that people like you, who deem it taboo, make — what is being proved as a natural occurrence between animals that show affection — this controversial because it asserts the naturalness of homosexuality in humans and, more specifically, mammals. This pretty much stems from the lack of willingness to want to observe the instinctive behaviors of… well, nature.

What I suggest you do is research and read rather than assume and insult. While I respect opinions and welcome them wholeheartedly, it’s far different when it’s coming from someone who is insulting and apparently ignorant on the subject. You’re preaching on what’s “natural,” yet do not understand or care to comprehend that it is, in fact, part of our natural world.

Just as you find homosexuality disgusting, I find your inability to evolve socially and mentally to what has always been proved as natural distasteful.

I hope you learn to open your eyes and ears a bit more before opening your mouth.

They Call Me Senpai

You’re wasting your time.

They Call Me Senpai

That argument goes both ways. Some gay people don’t want to know about hetero sex, but that’s all we ever see on tv and in movies. Nor do they like having the hetero lifestyle forced upon them, but again, that’s all tv and movies do.

Guest

But the natural way is being straight, hence why they can reproduce and it has always been that way – marriage is the same thing, it is a religious concept, leave gay marriage to civil partnerships or whatever they are called, I mean gay is not the norm and never will, I mean imagine if the whole word was homosexual and it was the norm….we would all die out

Applesauce

If homosexuality isn’t natural why are animals doing it?

Guest

There is no “homosexual instinct” in animals,

It is poor science to “read” human motivations and sentiments into animal behavior, and irrational animal behaviour is not a yardstick to determine what is morally acceptable behavior for rational man.

besides, animals lack the means to express their affective states

Since animals lack reason, their means of expressing their affective states (fear, pleasure, pain, desire, etc.) are limited. Animals lack the rich resources at man’s disposal to express his sentiments. Man can adapt his way of talking, writing, gazing, gesturing in untold ways.

Animals cannot. Consequently, animals often express their affective states ambiguously. They “borrow,” so to speak, the manifestations of the instinct of reproduction to manifest the instincts of dominance, aggressiveness, fear, gregariousness and so on.

If that’s the case, one-night stands, sex with condoms, and the act of sex for pleasure (gasp!!) are also unnatural.

If you have sex for ANY other reason other than to procreate, YOU ARE GOING TO HELL!!! I mean, that’s what you’re getting at, right? It’s all unnatural.

solkeher

He looks like Freddy Mercury with a ridiculous mustache… lol

Allisa James

I never noticed that.

Tony Polanco

Neither did I.

Ryan Bates

I did. Fat bottomed mages, you make my rockin world go round.

http://www.dualshockers.com/ Dianna Lora

LMAO!!

Gamist

So many guests posting comments here.

Tony Polanco

It sounds like one person to me.

Voice of friendship

He/she Is grasping for straws trying to justify all the rude and inappropriate comments he/she has made. Fantastic editorial by the way very balanced.

solkeher

It’s one person who also likes to comment on other sites and spread his hate.

Guest

What if I told you that I wasn’t the same person you retard but I just copied and pasted a comment from ign because i agree with it? You can easily tell by the different style of writing you retard. So actually I don’t spread this ‘hate’ or comment on other sites, I onlt comment on this one, and used a comment from an IGN article that I agreed with.

They Call Me Senpai

I could understand if Dorian was being shoehorned in in some attention grabbing “look a gay video game character. Look at how tolerant we are!” sort of way, but from what I’ve seen he doesn’t go around throwing his sexuality in people’s faces.

You’d think that people would finally start accepting that homosexuals aren’t going anywhere and learn to live alongside them, but no. They’d much rather bitch and complain as if their sexuality affects them or their kids in some way. News flash: homosexuality is no more contagious than heterosexuality, deal with it and move on.

Seriously, my 2 best friends are gay and I hang around them all the time. And what do ya know, I’m still completely straight.

Tony Polanco

You mean they didn’t give you “Gay”?

Seriously though, you’re right. There is nothing that says “gay” about Dorian. I didn’t even know that until I read that interview. To me, he was just another cool new character from a place in Dragon Age that is interesting.

Society needs to evolve and stop acting as if homosexuality is wrong. It’s just another facet of humanity. Gay people are human beings like everyone and deserve to be respected.

Guest

Respected and treated like every other human being yes just like it should be whether you’re straight, black white, female or male….

but that doesn’t mean I agree with the concept.

They Call Me Senpai

They got pretty close once, but then a Victoria’s Secret commercial came on and my straightness was fully restored.

I have a feeling that gay people won’t be fully accepted in our lifetime. Society just isn’t ready yet, especially not the gaming community. This generation is looking more and more hopeless by the day and it’s really sad, because we have so much potential.

Redinferno124

It sucks that you even had to write an article like this. We have bigger issues in the world people. Get your sh*t together.

LOL

agree

LOL

Seriously Tony, you need to come out the closet its a free country

715

“look a gay video game character. Look at how tolerant we are!”

That’s the main issue with him I’ve seen form people, doesn’t help EA and Bioware are really guilty of this, EA even more since they only do it as a shield so whenever a person as an issue with any game we get stuff like this article.

same shit happened with tomodachi life people wanted
Gay Marriage in a kid game -__- i’t seems they’re the ones
pushing their agenda now…

LOL

Im with you, seriously. Leave the children alone! The gays can marry and do whatever they want. They need to chill out with their agenda.

Guest

Wow. So much sudden hostility just because I disagree with a popular opinion. Talk about not having opinions….honestly, some of you people need to be able to take opinions and have a good discussion rather than just pulling the hate card and trying to use straw man arguments that have nothing to do with what one implies or says.

http://www.dualshockers.com/ Dianna Lora

How about you give yourself a name instead of commenting like a GUEST? Be proud of your opinion and don’t hide behind anonymity.

Guest

And I’m sure you’re opinion is much more credible just because you have a picture of yourself and your IRL life…funny how you don’t say that to anyone else here, most people use aliases in the internet….it has been that way for a long time, and it is no different to They Call me Senpai with a picture, or solkeher’s anomity, who you too upvoted. It does NOT detract from my point and is another pointless argument that you could have with many many people on news forums

http://www.dualshockers.com/ Dianna Lora

Exactly. I stand by my statements and convictions. This is who I am and I am not afraid to state my name and give you my opinions.

.. you however, dear. Seem to be. If you had nothing to be afraid of you would put your first and last name out there. Otherwise, you’re a troll with no way to back up your opinion. What are you afraid of?

Guest

I’m not afraid of anything thankyou very much and too respect your opinion, I just wanted to make some points for my argument that are seem controversial unfortunately, but it seems everyone took it too personally. Anyway, have a nice day, maybe next time it would be appreciated that people who have different opinions to you or one that is popular shouldn’t be labelled as a troll or talk in such a condescending manner. Surely as mods you should respond in a more friendly manner, even if I sounded rude at first (which I’m sorry for)

Ryan Bates

Shoveling the LGBTQ community into a pigeonhole and treating them in an inferior manner is not “sounding rude.” It IS rude, at the most gentle form of putting it.

bf313

What would “being proud” of an opinion on the internet accomplish? Your comment is pointless and has nothing to do with what he was saying.

http://www.dualshockers.com/ Dianna Lora

Because I have the power to stand by my convictions and debate intelligently with another human being without resorting to immature name calling and the like.

I don’t hide behind my handle and use anonymity as a shield to protect myself from backlash. So yes, I’m proud of my comments because they are thought out and honest. ^_^

bf313

But you’re not debating, you’re just bringing up unrelated issues and attempting to start arguments by going completely off topic with other posters over how they choose to post. And calling people “dear” or a troll for posting their opinion is a pretty snarky and condecending way to have dialogue. The way you conduct yourself is rude and disruptive and the fact that you are a mod is baffling. Some people don’t like having their real name put out in cyber space not because they are avoiding standing by their opinions but because they can make the choice not to put personal information where it isn’t needed. Disrespectful and a horrible reflection on this website.

Guest

I sincerely apologise for my rash statements, hopefully that doesn’t mean I am banned off this site?

And sorry if I came across like that,

http://www.dualshockers.com/ Dianna Lora

Of course not. Having an opposing opinion doesn’t ban you.

But it doesn’t help that there are several GUEST commenters on the board and some of them have bigoted opinions. If people are confusing those GUESTS with you, perhaps distinguishing yourself from the others by creating an account will assist in that.

Allisa James

Boy I sure love all the Guest accounts floating around here and trying to spread their hate and ignorance. The best part is how bold they’re so-called acting, yet they are hiding behind anonymous Guest accounts.

Tony Polanco

Think about it like this. Most people in these comments use some kind of handle or nickname. This person isn’t even doing that. So they’re like double anonymous if you think about it. THAT tells you how confident they are with their beliefs, that they can’t even use an internet handle.

Guest

And yet if I used a fake name and put a random picture of someone it would detract from my point?

I could have easily done that, but my point remains the same, you people are honestly getting too emotional; it is an open discussion and all this grouped hostility is certainly NOT encouraging one.

Guest

I mean even if I wrote in a condescending and hostile manner, surely you editors and mods are the ones that are meant to prevent such things? Or not be like that yourselves and be more open minded?

Tony Polanco

Dude, at least use a handle. No one is going to ban you or delete your comments. Shit, you’re proving my point with all the stuff you’re saying. Your comments aren’t going anywhere.

Guest

Fair enough

Guest

Well I’m sorry it is that way man, hopefully you dont ban me, because i love this website and i have been visiting it for a long time, it would be a shame that i get banned, and sorry if my aggressive manner of my putting my opinions forward upset you

SuperJamaican

Lol guess my comment was too real as it got deleted in no time at all.

Tony Polanco

Chill out with the cursing. I think things with a heavy amount of cursing get auto deleted. Keep it real but don’t use too much of the sass talk lol

Guest

And I’m sure you feel proud of yourself with a picture of yourself in real life- you do realise most people here on forums don’t use their real names or picture. My point still remains the same, regardless of who I happen to be

Allisa James

Awww what’s wrong, did I hurt your clearly sensitive feelings?

Guest

Thanks for the mature response, always appreciated. My feelings are fine thankyou very much, if you think my feelings are hurt for someone who has a different opinion to me like everyone else here is doing, then you are seriously deluded.

blasianΦΜΑ

I would take the time to read your “point” and respond, but the simple fact that “all of you” are the same “guest”, it’s just not worth the effort.

Guest

Sorry if i upset any of you here, especially the mods, and hopefully this does not mean i get banned I didn’t mean for it to get all twisted and hostile and i sincerely apologise if i came across aggressively in my opinions

sorry once again and good night!

solkeher

“they’re their so called acting”

Sorry couldn’t resist

Daniel Lawson

I love the hate… it’s like peanut butter and the hate filled responses are jelly and I”m the bread that completes the yummy lunch

http://thespawnpointblog.com Kahlief

“If society is behind when it comes to how it treats and views the LGBTQ community then the gaming community is two steps behind that.” WORD

solkeher

You would think that us gamers who get a lot of negative stereotypes on the media “games cause violence” and seen as outcasts and social failures – those kind of stereotypes, would mean that we are more accepting of others. But that’s not the case, instead there’s a lot of backlash and hate in regards to LGBT characters in video games. As the author mentioned this is still a taboo.

I don’t understand why this is a big deal either. I just want characters that are rich complex and fully realized characters, like in the Last of Us, well written characters that make me care about them. I think that their sexuality is just a part of their whole set of character traits. To me it’s kind of bitter-sweet. It’s good that Bioware want to acknowledge gay gamers and support equal rights by being inclusive but the fact that this is still a huge deal and something that draws a lot of negativity is depressing.

Emily Lemay

Fantastic editorial, Tony; I’m so glad I cold help be a part of your process for this one. You’ve raised some excellent points, and I’m really humbled to see other gamers taking a standing for the LGBTQ community. In a human society still filled with so many heteronormative ideologies, we often like to sweep the ‘gays in games’ issues under the rug.

Inclusivity is a word a lot of dev studios like to tout around, but rarely do we see it implemented the way BioWare does it. I’m having a hard time seeing the cause for alarm on this issue, especially since we’re all pretty sure that David Gaider is fully capable of writing an interesting character. Thank you for pointing out that Dorian comes from one of the most interesting places in Thedas — it’s something people continually overlook due to this ‘controversy’. Here he is, an anomaly in all of Thedas, and people are worried that his mustache looks too gay.

You hit the nail on the head when you stated that gamers have a lot of growing up to do. The online community is a cesspool for homophobic, biphobic, and transphobic hate. Whether the hate is subconscious or intentional, we need more article like this. We need to continue to educate the masses and stamp out ignorance. The LGBTQ community isn’t going anywhere, so it’s best we all learn to get along before we create more violence in the world.

Galen Nycroft

He does look sort of ‘fancy’, but not too horrible. Better than Makoto from Enchanted Arms.

Tony Polanco

He looks fancy because he’s rich. All the Mages from the Tevinter Imperium look like that, gay or straight.

Galen Nycroft

It’s more than the clothes, it’s the face, the hair…he looks like a Brooklyn Hipster. All he needs is a beard, a latte, and a Black nanny…

J/K

Tony Polanco

That’s hilarious.

Jorge Jimenez

Regardless of topic, Brooklyn always seems to get hit.

richardbailey

Awesome article and I especially like how you kept it real about how other institutions view homosexuality as a whole today as they too have proven to be hypocritical as well. I’m also still confused as to why people made such a big deal about Ellie’s kiss with Riley in the Left Behind. In the end it’s supposed to be about the characters themselves and the experiences we get from playing as them. People need to remember that first and foremost before picking up a controller and playing.

Voice of friendship

You know what gets me about this more than anything. It’s that Homosexual people look a certain way in the eyes of society that’s so wrong. That’s like if I as a Straight individual were to be walking the street and somebody goes oh look at how he wears his shirt he must be straight. It’s so wrong that people can’t even look a certain way without a large group of society labeling them and judging them. I honestly thought the Inquisition died with the dark ages.

Guest

Anyway, I’m going now, sorry if i upset any of you here, especially the mods, and hopefully this does not mean i get banned, just to tell you i will be visiting this site like i have done for the past 6 months, and really like your work, didn’t mean for it to get all twisted and hostile and i apologise if i came across like that

Good night!

solkeher

Good night. It’s okay to have opinions but that doesn’t mean that people are not going to call you out.

When you write things like

“I actually feel sorry for them because of the mental and spiritual struggle they are going through,”

it comes off as rude and hostile. If you have a different opinion and you want to make an argument for it, I would advise you refrain from fiery language because people (like me) will take it “personal” and will call you out.

You may find this lame, but welcome to Human Communication 101

Redinferno124

I actual feel sorry for that person if they’re worried about someone else and how they live.

To put the record straight:

1. homosexuals are not taking over the world, they are normal people like everyone else.

2. Protesting outside of public places and chanting about how much you hate homosexuals won’t do anything, but make everyone including straight people hate you.

3. Every time you stand outside of my college and try to hand me a small bible and preach to me about sexuality and God in the same sentence, I will tear it up and walk to class (I’m studying to be a game designer after all).

4. Climate change is real and we have issues overseas, lets worry about that stuff.

Tony Polanco

You won’t be banned. Thanks for continuing to support us. I don’t agree with your views but you are entitled to them.

Jorge Jimenez

Having an opinion won’t ever get you banned, we try to foster as much debate and conversation as possible. Regardless of the topic, if you throw out an opinion, folks are going to respond in kind. That’s a how a dialogue works. People will agree/disagree/want to set you on fire/respond in cat memes, that’s why forums exist.

I’m actually really happy to see our community have a heated discussion without completely losing their minds. I would love to see this kind of maturity whenever we talk about next-gen console frame-rates. Baby steps I guess.

I encourage folks using Guest accounts to use real accounts, it makes life easier for someone trying to keep up with what’s being said.

Daniel Lawson

Talks about hot social topic community has great discussion with a few anons being idiots… say and Xbox One game looks awesome starts war that ends in people getting banned

bf313

Apparently opinions aren’t welcome here as I wasn’t even allowed to post mine. You’ve lost a reader.

Redinferno124

Not sure what you mean. Explain?

Yaris_Gutierrez

I’m curious to know which of your comment(s) was not allowed. Unless it was extremely offensive, there is no reason why it would not be here.

Redinferno124

I’m curious too, but he’s probably holding back a few details himself.

Redinferno124

Check his history, 4 articles down.

http://www.dualshockers.com/ Dianna Lora

Your opinions were voted down by the community. That’s why they weren’t posting.

bf313

Nope not what happened.

Redinferno124

I just thought Dorian sounded like a badass name. He can sleep with whoever he wants as long as he destroys my enemies.

Tony Polanco

Comment of the day!

Averix

Good article. Why this is an issue in this day and age is completely beyond me. Some people have need to spend less time pointing at other people and more time tackling their own demons.

Here’s my opinion on gays in video games. (Note: i have nothing against gay people, it’s your life do you) If the video games is done in good taste then maybe. As a straight man living next to NYC, if i see two guys making out, i wont lie, i cringe. just doesn’t look aesthetically pleasing to me. Naturally, i wouldn’t want it in my video games. Now i ask, is it really wrong for me to think like that?

Tony Polanco

First off that’s not “thinking”, that is a reaction you have. Whether that is a learned reaction or natural is up for debate. I will say that you come off as at least tolerant so if you don’t go around telling people that they are wrong or fighting with them or people who want society to treat them with respect then you’re fine. I don’t find sex between two males appealing either (I likes the ladies) but my stance is simple: live and let live.

Natan Cifuentes

A. U didn’t answer the question, B. I just fell like its pushed on some of us too much. Some one wrote the other day “I’m a gay gamer”. What is that? It’s comments like this that annoy me. Why does everything they do need to be labeled. It should be “I’m a gamer who’s gay”. What one does with their loved one shouldn’t affect the way they platinum Watch Dogs. Him/she being a “gay gamer” makes me a straight gamer? Really…

Tony Polanco

To answer your question: NO it’s not wrong. That’s the same reaction I have as well. I’m straight so seeing that creates that sort of reaction in me. MAYBE it’s learned but now that I really think about it, I don’t think it is. I’m sure that gay people find heterosexuals kissing to be a bit “gross” too. They can’t help that either. So, no, for that you’re not wrong.

About labels: I agree 100%. I say this about “girl” gamers all the time. Don’t call yourself that, just call yourself a gamer. This goes to “gay gamers” too. You’re a gamer. The other stuff isn’t really that important. I can understand why some like to give themselves labels but I don’t see that as being necessary. You play games? That’s all I care about.

Natan Cifuentes

I’m going to kick it up a notch, Should the ESRB rating show “gay content” when rating games? Personally, I think so. as a consumer i have the right to be informed before making a purchase. There is a writer for ubisoft(I think) who is openly gay. When asked about gay characters in video games for the future, he said he doesnt think it will happen soon cause companies are too scariered of sales going down. Hate to say it but I’m one of those people that’s not going to buy a game like that.

Tony Polanco

No it shouldn’t. The depiction of homosexuality isn’t something that should come with a warning. That’s ridiculous.

What I do find disturbing is that you won’t buy a game that has homosexuals in it. Why? Does their existence diminish or challenge yours in any way? Why does that bother you so much? They can’t help being the way they are. Why can’t you be accepting of people’s differences? Is being born gay so wrong, so disgusting to you that you don’t want to see it?

I hate to break it to you but gay people exist. They live on the same planet as you. You’ll have to let go of your prejudices and accept them and respect them. Doing otherwise limits you mentally.

Natan Cifuentes

It goes back to my first comment, I’d rather not see two gay guys making out in my video games. And for the record, people are not “born” gay, psychology has yet to prove this, further study is needed. Until proven other wise, it is a choice people make.

Tony Polanco

People, like animals, can be born gay. It’s not a choice in the same way that you and I can’t help being straight. Don’t go into the “it’s a choice” camp because that’s ridiculous.

Budgiecat

Well….to be fair, EA made it ‘a choice’ in their earlier games lol.
I guess which is why they are making a change here…

Tony Polanco

Your main character has a choice but Dorian doesn’t. That’s just the way he is.

Budgiecat

Yeah I know, which while being ‘new’ (Dorian), still doesn’t change the fact that you the player, have a choice on your sexual preference; hence the concept of being gay still “a choice”.

Unless upon “birth” of your character (aka character creation), they implement an option of “straight or Gay”, which you cannot change later on in game…

Tony Polanco

In real life you don’t have a choice. You’re either born straight or you’re born gay. You can’t help that.

As far as the games are concerned, I always think of the main characters in Bioware games as being bisexual. They can go either way.

Natan Cifuentes

Just your opinion again. There is no scientific evidence that animals have a subconscious like humans do (further study is needed). We do however have instinct to procreate as manuals. Plus many chemical that are released within our brains, like when a male see a female tending to their new born baby. It’s a chemical that signals the man to stay home and protect the family. Look it up bro ^_*

Tony Polanco

It’s not an opinion, it’s a fact. What sex you prefer has nothing to do with anything conscious. It’s part of your reptilian brain and not part of your higher brain functions. There is no consciousness involved. It’s chemicals. You’re either attracted to males or females because of whatever chemicals are in your brain. This CANNOT be helped. Like I said, there are gay animals. That isn’t an opinion, that is a fact. They can’t help being gay anymore than humans can. It’s not a choice.

And speaking of chemicals. If all men who had who impregnated women were chemically bound to stay with them after they give birth then there would be no single parent homes. Staying with one’s family IS a choice and many men in this society choose not to stay. THAT is another fact.

Natan Cifuentes

Source? And to answer your second part, men or women who comment infidelity was a choice. It’s also their choice for not trying to work things out like marriage counsel. Or the man choicing to beat his wife. Or the woman marriage for money. People can change, alcoholics that go for rehab have and 80% of relapsing. But there is still that 20% that made that choice to never drink again. Humans have free will, to choice there sex partners. U said it the best “What sex you prefer”, and that my friend is a choice.

Tony Polanco

You can’t chose sex partners though. If your brain is wired to like women then you like women. If it’s wired to like men then you like men. That can’t be helped. You like women because you’re programmed to not because you chose to.

Budgiecat

Whenever I see “girl gamer” or “gay gamer”, it’s more of like a little cry out for attention.

there’s solace and equality in being anonymous online. that’s a benefit.

715

The problem here isn’t he’s gay, its Bioware is acting like its an amazing badge of honor “look how progressive we are!” and he looks like he’s going to be a walking stereotype, like Steve only talks about his dead husband and being gay, its too a point were you wonder why they left a guy still clearly broken by the death of his husband in active duty, double since he has to fly around the most important human in the war, doesn’t help that the Tevinter Imperium is evil and ever signal mage form it is a piece of shit.

SuperJamaican

I’m a black guy, who still till this day experiences racism, but this subject the whole world is not ready for. Lol no wonder other countries want to destroy us(united states). People who are different must learn to #dealwithit, its called trials and tribulations and those who think that one day the world will be accepting and tolerant of issues like homosexuals, race and religion are full of it. As in regards to gays in video games, well can’t wait to see how Glen Beck spins this.

http://Xcite79.1up.com/ Keegs79

The irony of someone who himself is gay getting that backlash. I have no problem with gay people but I do find it odd announcing a gay character. That is like saying “He look at us! We are being progressive! We are good and you should like the game more because we have a gay character!” I just want characters that have context in the story and world they are representing. I never think of their sexual preference. As long as they have a legitimate role, I don’t care. Just don’t make different characters to satisfy different groups if they characters have no meaning. If they are not, that itself can be disrespectful.

Good article. Keep up the good work.

Jorge Jimenez

I think the Bioware’s wording of Dorian being “fully gay” is what really got people upset as if it were describing features on a Honda seemed a little odd. Last I check there is no Gay/Straight tech tree to determine fully gay or straight. If there is, links would be appreciated =p

blasianΦΜΑ

I’m not sure if I’m in my own little LGBTQ bubble here, but the B in all of that stands for Bisexual. “Fully Gay” would refer to the “G” in that acronym. Until this point there have been few “fully gay” characters in video games. Shep in ME is bisexual because the story can go either way. The way I understand this, Dorian can only get into a homosexual relationship, just as there are many characters in previous titles by this developer who can only get into heterosexual relationships. I don’t see why this is such an issue with non gays. As for the gays, I don’t see why this is such an issue. It’s LGBT 101.

Jorge Jimenez

I don’t think its pandering. I think videogames are growing up and have been lagging behind popular media (movies, tv, and books) about showing diversity outside of lazy sterotypes. Seeing diverse characters helps makes videogames more inclusive as a whole. I like to see devs at least give it a try. What’s the worst thing that could happen?

Anonymous

I hope we can eliminate all the gay party members. I dont want creature like them as part of my Inquisition.

Tony Polanco

What the hell is wrong with you? Even as a joke this isn’t funny.

Giuseppe Nelva

Have a nice day in the ban pen.

David

I don’t really get why this is such a big deal. Fallout New Vegas beat them to the punch by 4 years with TWO playable gay characters – Veronica Santangelo and Arcade Gannon. Heck, three if you count Veronicas mute lover you encounter in DLC. All three are some of the most beloved, complex, and likeable characters in the game.

Kingdom17

You know what’s sad is I think this person made an account just to say this.

Sucka Free

Seems like both of them did

Wildboots

This was a great editorial, much better than the one ign put up a while back about gay characters.

I seriously don’t mind gay characters in video games or even playing as them, I don’t want their sexuality to be their defining characteristic. In my first year in college, during second semester, a new kid transferred in and lived on my dorm hall with me and my friends. He joined up with us and he was one of the greatest friends I could ever have, it wasn’t until four months later that my friends and I found out he was gay. Growing up in the South and a black, religious, family, I was taught to hate him, but I couldn’t.I didn’t care that he was gay, he was my friend because he was a good person.

On the other hand, I met people who when you ask their name, the first thing they say is that they’re gay. They made being gay the only thing about them that mattered, not how they work, what they do, or where they from; just making sure that every time a conversation pops up, they mention their sexuality even when someone ask where the bus stop is.

If Dorian will be on my team will depends on how well he fights and works in my group. If he is valuable he stays, if he sucks, back to the bench. His sexuality doesn’t matter unless he gets a plus 10 in attack when fighting male characters.

Kingdom17

I’ll be using him for his magic and for the fact he looks like Freddie Mercury :D, unless he sucks in combat, but hopefully he doesn’t.

Jecht_Sin

There is so much wrong in forcing the sexuality in the characters. Dragon Age is a Role Playing game. Can’t they develop it in a way one chooses and thus plays the sexuality he or she is comfortable with? That would be fair for the gays as well, who won’t be forced to play heterosexuals relationships. Problem fixed.

blasianΦΜΑ

Hmmmm… homosexual gamers have been playing games that featured completely heterosexual relationships for more than 25 years. Now you want to compromise? How about Mass Effects 1 and 2? I just don’t get how you people want to view INCLUSION as “shoving this down our throats.” This is the epitome of entitlement.

http://www.DualShockers.com/ Megan Smith

Not sure why you’re complaining. Have you never played a Dragon Age game before? You’re about 5 years late on realizing how BioWare writes rounded characters that include sexuality. Yes, Dragon Age is a Role-Playing game and you’re given the option to play how you wish with the main character while interacting with already developed/developing NPCs that react to your choices. Imagine the scenario in real life. You meet a gay man even though you’re straight. He doesn’t stop being gay because you have control over yourself.

Vashta Nerada

Are you autistic? Or do you have some other kind of intellect disability?

Agent HUNK

I dont understand why they have to shove down our throats who he or she likes in a video game ….. I want to kill monsters and enjoy a great story , not get married or fall in Loive this isnt the freaking sims game !!!! -Check that horse shitt at the door ! they can put whatever they want in the story I just dont wanna see it or have it forced on me if i dont choose that path in my game

blasianΦΜΑ

What the hell are you talking about? This developer makes these types of games, and nobody is forcing it down your throat. You’ve never had to watch a gay scene or get into a gay relationship if you didn’t want it in ANY of these games. Have a seat.

Vashta Nerada

Then kill monsters and enjoy the story. Every time something LGBT is mentioned in the news you nuts click on the articles and scream “quit shoving things down my throat!”. It’s getting old and it’s only making you and the people that raised you look like idiots. Clearly you aren’t intelligent or morally good, but you could at least keep your foolish mouth shut to respect your betters.

And you won’t be having gay sex unless you go down that dialog path. Now quit crying.

Agent HUNK

youre defensive … I think they are shoving it in our faces to get ratings … do you really want to know whos gay in a game or have romances ??? They are making a circus of someones life choices which shouldnt be a thing in a game.

Budgiecat

It’s clever double edged sword marketing. It brings in more interest for being ‘ground breaking’ and ‘different’, and more controversy, which brings in more interest. Which equals more $ in the end for EA.

EA’s goal is always $$ in the end; not “trying to make a social change difference”.

MetalSpartan

I don’t care if a game has gay characters I’m perfectly fine
what I am pissed off about is that this shit is news worthy
and that Gay propaganda is being pushed into all types of media
especially video games -__-

Kingdom17

Tomodachi life was the last thing I remember that was called out for this. And while I’m a supporter of the LGBT community, some of what is being pushed is very ridiculous i.e. Tomodachi Life, its just as bad imo as some people going off on Ubi about no female assassin, although I do not support their lying (saying it would take too much work), why can’t they just come out and say they just didn’t want to a make a female character?

MetalSpartan

You are a reasonable Critical thinking intelligent person
:DDDDDDDD
everything you said is true I’m so tired of Controversy just DEAL WITH IT!

blasianΦΜΑ

SIGH, you two are missing the entire point with that whole Tomodachi life issue and any issue like it. INCLUSION is worth fighting for. I can understand not having a female assassin if the story didn’t call for it, but in a game that is supposed to mimic your own life through your mii, one should be able to be in a relationship with whomever they want. To exclude that is to say that a part of you is not represented in the game. It would be the exact same thing if character creation engines did not allow for anything but varying degrees of white skin color customization.

Vashta Nerada

You should get mental help if you think having gay characters is gay propaganda. It sounds a lot like you’re paranoid.

The homophobic crazies in these articles are the reason why we have separate LGBT sections. You loons come out every time anything LGBT is mentioned on any gaming blog except the LGBT sites and start screaming about how we’re out to get you, shoving things down your throat, using gay propaganda, trying to indoctrinate you, CLICKING ON THE ARTICLE and asking why this GAMING news is news on a GAMING site because YOU don’t want to see it, and a bunch of other idiotic and crazy things.

the acceptance of homosexuality of prevalent in their culture… it was so much so in Greece that women often dressed as boys to ease their husbands into heterosexual life

Daniel Lawson

No one should have even said anything… sexuality shouldn’t even be in a profile of a character… that’s something we should learn while playing a game

LOL

Exactly. Its the Gay Agenda, they have some serious money to push their propoganda. I see it literally everywhere, in all the industries

Vashta Nerada

Then how would LGBT people know to look into this game?

Budgiecat

Ding Ding!

We have a winner

People forget this is EA we’re talking about

It was never about a social cause….it’s always about moar $

NEVER trust EA

Daniel Lawson

>_> that would be a retarded reason to look for this game… you look for games that are fun… just because they have LBGT characters is not a reason

John Blue

As budgie points out below, the most likely reason developers and publishers are all coming forth with their great new plans to add tons of females and gays and whatnot is to try to draw stupid people in to buy the games just to see how the characters are in there. Or just to get free publicity, since the gaming sites seem to be willing to give that at the slightest hint of a sad story…

AAA

i hope i can kill in-game…pls BioWare

eternal_napalm

I don’t have any problem with a gay character.

I will if I get hit on, though.

Vashta Nerada

WATCH OUT! WE GOT A TOUGH GUY HERE!

Budgiecat

but his butthole is a sacred place…

Bugdiecat

I do like a good butthole.

Anarky

Wait a sec you’re that fanboy from ign.

Sucka Free

What happens at IGN, stays at IGN….hopefully :p

Cassive

Not to sound homophobic or anything, coz I’m not, literally my best mate is a lesbian and I’ve even spoken to her about it, why is this gay thing everywhere I turn right now? Like you can’t go anywhere without some gay rights being shoved down your throat i.e. social media, TV, movies, music, radio, advertisement, fashion and now even gaming…

Budgiecat

It’s a passive aggressive civil rights movement to change the preset views of society in a free country using social media as an outlet

TallSilhouette

Social progress comes in baby steps. Little by little it’ll continue to get better. The Last of Us handled its gay character(s) well and thankfully seemed to receive little flak for it (and more praise).

Budgiecat

the only thing that annoyed me about that was that annoying SJW Anita Sarkeesian was involved in some way as noted by ND developer and she’s just a horrible troll (who also received a GDC game developer award…..ugh)

Cayley Jameson

I’m glad someone agrees with me. I think honestly think the only reason David Gaider mentioned the fact that Dorian is gay is because a lot of Dragon Age fans plan out who they are going to romance before they play the game, I know I am. So I read it and thought, “Thank god, one less romance option for my first play through” (because I’m playing a female elf). I don’t think he was trying to show everyone how progressive they are, especially because he is gay himself.

Donwel

I think it has more to do with the way that bioware has handled it than anything else as there have been games with gay characters in that there has been no backlash over.
The last of us is a good example, as is left 4 dead, I think the difference is that the developers of these games didn’t use the fact that the character was gay to base their entire personality on, which is the opposite of what bioware seem to be doing.

Daniel Lawson

you mortals are so amusing… you all taste the same no matter who you bang at night

John Blue

If I didn’t know him to be gay before seeing the picture for the first time, I’d have employing my inner stereotypics assumed him to be a semi-classy, player kind of a person with a mexican accent and smooth lines around the ladies.